mokenamessenger.com life & Arts the Mokena Messenger | February 16, 2017 | 27 A dose of Smooth, a glimmer of Zirconia Sinatra, Diamond singers perform at Mokena Library Jason Maholy Freelance Reporter Singing in a library back in the day would have been frowned upon. Even if the crooner was performing the timeless classics of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Tony Bennett, an old-school librarian with the glasses on the edge of her nose and wearing a crocheted shawl over her shoulders would have curtly told the unwelcome offender to pipe down – or, perhaps, even kick him out. OK, maybe that depiction of the librarian is a caricature, but it was not so long ago that making noise above a whisper in a library was grounds for a reprimand; but as libraries become more utilized as multipurpose venues instead of solely as places people go to study in silence, a little loudness is, on occasion, tolerated and even encouraged. Such was the case the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 11, when performers of songs by Frank, Dean Martin and Neil Diamond, among others, had a crowd of more than 30 people clapping and dancing in their seats. Even a few patrons checking out books within earshot of the show could not help but move to the beat. “Songs of the Legends with Mr. Smooth” featured Vincent DiFiore in a Valentine’s Day-themed performance that drew primarily senior citizens looking for a good time on an unseasonably warm February day. DiFiore was joined by Joey Zirconia, who performed Joey Zirconia, who joked that his name comes from “a cheap imitation diamond,” belts out a song by Neil Diamond during the performance. spot-on renditions of several Neil Diamond classics, and joked his last name stems from the fact he is “a cheap imitation diamond.” The show was part of a series that runs at the library from September through May and will on upcoming Saturdays include Broadway show tunes, a Mardi Gras celebration and a St. Patrick’s Day jazz concert. The concept is to bring music and other arts to library patrons, library Director of Young Adults Programs Wendy Asbridge said. “We’ve always done the music side as well as the educational,” Asbridge said, noting that the musical acts have been a huge draw. “We had 60 people for Elvis in January. People really like the legends or the oldies, so it’s a lot of fun. It’s great. They’re very appreciative, and they really enjoy it.” The two entertainers kept the audience’s attention with both music and friendly banter between songs. DiFiore frequently provided background and history to the songs before singing — such as when he noted his performance of “Unchained Melody” would be Barry Manilow’s version — and at one point while he Vincent DiFiore performs a tune during a “Songs of the Legends” show held Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Mokena Community Public Library District. DiFiore sang songs by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Barry Manilow and other vocalists. Photos by Jason Maholy/22nd Century Media was crooning, he passed out roses to the ladies in the audience. Leona Kremsner, of Orland Park, was captivated by the performers. “Oh, my gosh, I thought it was wonderful, just was fabulous,” she said. “I love it, I love it. Neil Diamond, he’s terrific, I couldn’t believe how good he was, but I like them all.” DiFiore, a former electrical contractor, has been producing “legends” shows since 1972. He is a lifelong lover of music, and as a youth sang in the school choir; then as a young adult had the opportunity to sing occasionally with a big band. He took over as a vocalist full-time when one night, while producing an event, his Sinatra performer balked at opening the show. “He said Sinatra never opened a show,” he recalled. “So my Elvis vocalist said, ‘What are we going to do?’” DiFiore coaxed “Frank,” whose real name was Frank as well, into performing that night, but that would be the reluctant Blue Eyes’ final show. “After that I though that, ‘You know, I can do as well as him,’ and I started singing Sinatra and Dean Martin.” The vocalists whose songs DiFiore performs — he does not impersonate, but rather sings in his own voice — are entertainers he has admired for years. Which songs are his favorites has largely depended on variables, including the time of the year and where DiFiore is in his life at the time, he said. “‘My Way’ is always touching ‘cause it’s a Sinatra song,” he explained. “The song that is always a real hit with me is ‘That’s Amore,’ because the crowd really gets into it; I can probably sing that forever and no one ever gets tired of it. Then there’s other songs that, as your life changes, they become your favorites.” DiFiore’s objective when Library patrons (left to right) Ann Marie Mikaiayunas and Nancy Healy applaud after a song by entertainer “Mr. Smooth.” he performs is to provide his audience a good show, engage his listeners and even touch them in some way. “Music touches everyone in different ways,” he said. “All I want to do is make someone happy when I entertain. This is live, so there’s good action that happens with the audience. And that’s what you want to do, is touch that audience, have them remember you after you’re done.”